After an embarrassing loss to the Bengals last week, the New York Jets will look to avoid the season sweep when the Dolphins come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The last time these two teams faced each other, the Dolphins had their way with the Jets in a 26-18 win in October. At the time, the Dolphins were a winless team, which made it look even worse. With both teams out of the playoff race, so the loser of this game will be in a better position for the 2020 NFL draft.
With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s pregame storylines.
Can the Jets avoid the sweep?
Coming into 2019, everyone looked at the Dolphins as an easy victory. For the Jets, they’ve been a challenge.
In the first matchup, Ryan Fitzpatrick torched the Jets defense for 288 yards and three touchdowns while Sam Darnold struggled. Since then, Darnold has improved drastically, but Fitzpatrick is still playing quality football.
Given the injuries the Jets have on defense, Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins have a great opportunity to come in and light up the scoreboard. If the Jets were to lose this game, it would be the topper for a forgetful season.
Jets secondary vulnerable with Jamal Adams out
Jamal Adams has been the one constant while the Jets loses player after player to injury. Not anymore.
He’ll miss his first-ever NFL game Sunday after spraining his ankle last week against the Bengals. Adams has been the leader of this defense since the day he stepped in the door and the Jets have never played without him. It will be interesting to see who will replace him as the Jets have a few options at safety with Darryl Roberts, Blake Countess and Bennett Jackson.
The Jets defense has played well despite all the injuries this season. However, Adams’ injury might be the nail in the coffin for a defense that has barely stayed afloat.
Le’Veon Bell is missing his first game
The Jets have been waiting for Le’Veon Bell to have a breakout game, but that won’t come this week against Miami.
Bell was officially ruled out for Sunday’s game with an illness after not being able to practice on Thursday or Friday. It’s been a rough season for Bell, as he’s had to adjust to a brand new scheme and he’s not getting much help up front from his offensive line.
With Bell out, that leaves Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell and Josh Adams as the only healthy backs available. We should see all three get a handful of carries in this one with Bell down.
Can the Jets pressure Fitzpatrick?
With so many players injured in the secondary, the Jets pass rush has to take some of the pressure off the secondary.
Last week against Cincinnati, the Jets pass rush only generated one sack and two quarterback hits on Andy Dalton. He had all day to throw and the secondary couldn’t hold up. Players such as Quinnen Williams and Henry Anderson have to start getting more hits on the quarterback.
If the Jets give Fitzpatrick plenty of time to throw, this depleted secondary will get exposed and will be in for a long day.
